preform

American  

[pree-fawrm, pree-fawrm] / ˈpriˈfɔrm, ˈpriˌfɔrm /

verb (used with object)

1. to form beforehand.

2. to determine or decide beforehand.

   to preform an opinion.

3. to shape or fashion beforehand.

   to preform a mold.

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noun

1. biscuit.

2. any of various uncompleted objects of manufacture after preliminary shaping.

Usage

What does preform mean? As a verb, preform means to make or form something before something else happens, or during a preliminary stage. As a noun, a preform is an object in its initial form, before it is completed with additional work.When used as a verb, preform can refer to forming an abstract thing, such as an idea or opinion, or a tangible thing, such as a sculpture, piece of clothing, or other manufactured item. When used as a noun, preform typically refers to a physical object (like that sculpture or piece of clothing) that is intended to be finished with additional crafting. It is sometimes hyphenated as pre-form.Example: Don’t preform an opinion about Grace before you even meet her.

Other Word Forms

• nonpreformed adjective

Etymology

Origin of preform

From the Latin word praefōrmāre, dating back to 1595–1605. See pre-, form

Example Sentences

“The preformed immunity seems a real showstopper,” says David Curiel, a gene therapy researcher at Washington University in St. Louis.

From Science Magazine

Vitamin A comes in two main forms, preformed vitamin A and provitamin A.

From Salon

But preformed antibodies also attack other new tissue, including transplanted organs.

From Seattle Times

“We know all the football history England brings. But what is important is to preform on the pitch,” he said.

From Washington Times

Still, it must be exhausting to be Tom Cruise, who famously preforms his own stunts.

From New York Times

Related Words

• elect
• establish
• fix
• resolve